Anas Al-Masrati’s impressive start to the Libyan Premier League season has strengthened calls for the Al-Ittihad Military Club striker to be included in Libya’s squad for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tunisia.
The 31-year-old has scored five goals in his first three league appearances, making him the competition’s leading scorer and increasing pressure on national team coach Youssef Dabo to consider him for the attack.
Al-Masrati joined Al-Ittihad Military Club from Al-Hilal during the summer transfer window and has wasted little time making an impact. He scored twice against Benghazi Al-Jadeeda and added another brace against Al-Batnan before finding the net again in his team’s latest draw against Al-Tahadi.
His early-season form has placed him ahead of several established players and foreign professionals in the league’s scoring standings. It has also fuelled debate among Libyan football supporters, pundits and analysts over whether he should be given another opportunity to represent his country.
The calls come as Libya prepare for two important meetings with Tunisia in Group H of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Growing calls for Al-Masrati’s national team return
Al-Masrati’s performances have generated considerable discussion in Libya, with many supporters believing his goalscoring record deserves the attention of the national team’s coaching staff.
His ability to find the net consistently has strengthened the argument that he could offer another option in attack as the Mediterranean Knights prepare for their next international assignments.
According to information obtained by Winwin, Dabo and his technical staff are seriously considering the striker as a possible addition to the squad for the upcoming training camp.
The report suggests that Al-Masrati’s chances have increased partly because of concerns about the recent form of some other attacking players, including Azzo Al-Marimi of Al-Ahly Tripoli.
No final decision on the squad has been confirmed, but the striker’s performances have put him firmly into the conversation ahead of the Tunisia fixtures.
For Dabo, the challenge will be to assess whether Al-Masrati’s domestic form can translate into a useful contribution at international level, particularly with two important matches approaching.
Tunisia matches carry major significance
Libya are preparing to face Tunisia twice in November as they continue their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The first meeting is scheduled for 13 November in Sfax, with the return fixture set for 17 November in Tripoli. Both matches are expected to play an important role in determining the teams’ prospects in Group H.
The Libyan side will be looking to secure the results needed to strengthen their position in the qualifying campaign, making the selection of their attacking options a significant issue for the coaching staff.
Supporters hoping to see Al-Masrati included will point to his recent scoring record as evidence that he deserves consideration. His five goals in three league matches have given him a strong case, although the final decision remains with Dabo and his technical team.
A career across several Libyan clubs
Al-Masrati has built his career through spells at a number of clubs in Libya and abroad.
He began his senior football journey with Benghazi Al-Jadeeda during the 2006-07 season before going on to represent Al-Nasr, Al-Hilal, Al-Taawon and Al-Ittihad.
He also spent time outside Libya, playing for Algerian club CR Belouizdad during the 2021-22 season before returning to Libyan football.
Now, his prolific start with Al-Ittihad Military Club has put him back in the spotlight as he seeks another opportunity with the national team.
With the Tunisia double-header approaching, his form presents Dabo with a selection decision at a crucial stage of Libya’s qualifying campaign. Whether the striker earns a place in the squad will become clearer when the coaching staff finalise their plans for the November matches.
